Control Line Research Articles

Manipulations of a transmon qubit with a null-biased electro-optic fiber link

In recent years, significant progress has been made in the field of superconducting quantum circuits, particularly in improving the complexity of quantum processors for large-scale quantum computing and quantum simulation tasks. To enable the execution of quantum information processing tasks on large-scale quantum circuits containing millions of qubits, it is essential to minimize thermal effects on control and measurement lines, ensuring that circuit components are superconducting and that qubits are not significantly thermally excited. Recent studies have shown that a quadrature-biased electro-optic fiber link can operate qubits with a much reduced thermal load, thereby facilitating the simultaneous operation of a large number of qubits. Expanding on this, here we propose and demonstrate that coherent manipulations of superconducting qubits can also be achieved by setting the bias point of the electro-optic modulator at the null point instead of the quadrature point. Major advantages of our null-point bias method include further reduction of the thermal load and improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio, and relaxed requirement for experimental implementations. Simultaneous control of two qubits is also demonstrated using the proposed null-biased fiber-optic link, which is the first time to the best of our knowledge.

Rapid detection of African swine fever virus by a blue latex microsphere immunochromatographic strip

African swine fever (ASF) is a contagious viral disease in pigs, caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV). Currently, there are no effective vaccines and drugs for ASFV, making diagnostic methods crucial for the prevention and control of ASF. In this study, the ASFV p30 protein was successfully expressed using a prokaryotic expression system and used as an immunogen to prepare monoclonal antibody (mAb) 2A5. The antigenic epitope recognized by the mAb 2A5 was identified as 58VKYDIVKSARIYAGQGY74. Then, a blue latex microsphere immunochromatographic strip method for detecting ASFV antigens was established. Wherein a rabbit polyclonal antibody (pAb) against p30 stored in our laboratory was coupled with blue latex microspheres to prepare an immune probe, with mAb 2A5 as the test line and goat anti-rabbit IgG as the control line. The immunochromatographic strip exhibited excellent sensitivity, with a minimum detection limit of 10 ng/mL for the p30 protein. It demonstrated good specificity, showing no cross-reactivity with PRRSV, PCV2, PPV, and PEDV. Moreover, it maintained good stability and could be stored for at least 100 days at 37 °C. The concordance rate between the immunochromatographic strip and qPCR test kit was 92.2%. The immunochromatographic strip method can meet the requirements of clinical testing and provide technical support for ASFV diagnosis.

METHOD OF SOFTWARE CONTROL OF MOTION PARAMETERS OF THE OUTPUT ELEMENT OF THE PNEUMATIC UNIT BY CHANGING THE EFFECTIVE AREAS OF CONTROL LINES

Control of position pneumatic units includes tasks of precise positioning, speed and acceleration control, as well as ensuring reliability and safety of operation. Existing control methods can range from simple mechanical solutions to complex programmable systems using modern automation technologies and intelligent algorithms. In the context of dynamically changing production requirements and the need to improve the accuracy of operations, the development and implementation of new control methods become particularly relevant. This requires a deep understanding of both physical principles of pneumatic units operation and modern approaches to automation and control of technological processes. Two available methods of program control of pneumatic unit output motion parameters exist. The first method consists of changing the effective areas of control lines, and the second – is changing the value of braking force developed by the external braking device. The first method is suggested for the open loop program- time control, as the second method will cause energy losses due to the need to work to overcome the friction force developed by the braking device. A control algorithm for a position pneumatic unit is proposed, which is a set of consecutive values of the control signal. These values are not connected with each other by analytical dependence, so the simplest way of their assignment is tabular. It is assumed that the entire set of control signal values is simply entered into the controller's memory, and at set intervals the control signal is changed according to the table. The described control algorithm is quite simple to implement. It is possible to use two methods of regulation at open-loop program-time control, depending on the type of applied distribution equipment – analog and discrete-analog. The analog method allows the setting influence to be worked out more accurately but requires more expensive hardware costs; the discrete-analog method is less accurate, easier to implement, and more reliable. The essence of the discrete-analog method of regulation consists in replacement of exact analog values of effective areas by approximate ones, which are chosen as the nearest from a limited range of values provided by discrete distribution equipment.

EIL (ethylene-insensitive 3-like) transcription factors in apple affect both ethylene- and cold response-dependent fruit ripening.

EIN3/EIL (ethylene-insensitive 3/EIN3-like) transcription factors are positive downstream transcriptional regulators of ethylene signalling. In apple (Malus × domestica), a small family of MdEIL genes was identified, with four expressed in fruit. Transgenic lines were generated to manipulate MdEIL1 expression, and fruits were sampled at harvest maturity and after cold treatment. Their fruit ripening behaviour was compared with control lines and contrasted to a ACC OXIDASE 1 antisense line (ACO1as) which produced no ripening associated ethylene. Two transgenic lines showed strong co-suppression of MdEIL1-4 expression as well as reduced ethylene production, softening and aroma production, while one overexpressing line showed enhanced ripening. Key genes involved in ethylene biosynthesis and ethylene-dependent genes involved in cell wall modification (MdXTH1, MdβGAL) and aroma biosynthesis (MdAFS1, MdoOMT1) were downregulated in the co-suppressed lines. Co-suppressed lines showed reduced softening/volatile production after cold treatment and in contrast to the ACO1as line, expression of cold response-dependent genes (MdCBF2, dehydrins MdDHN2, -14, -16 and MdNAC29a) remained cold-repressed. The action of MdEILs was shown using dual-luciferase reporter assays to occur through direct activation of MdAFS1, MdXTH1 and MdβGAL promoters. Exogenous ethylene was unable to further stimulate ripening promoter activation, but cold treatment could. Promoter deletion analysis identified potential EIL binding sites in the MdAFS1 and MdβGAL promoters and electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that MdEIL1-3 could all bind to a 32 bp fragment in the MdAFS1 promoter. Together these results indicate that MdEILs contribute to a suite of apple fruit ripening attributes via activation of genes in an ethylene-dependent manner, but also in response to cold.

Generation of an isogenic CRISPR/Cas9-corrected control induced pluripotent stem cell line from a patient with autosomal dominant catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia with a heterozygous variant in cardiac calsequestrin-2.

Generation of an isogenic CRISPR/Cas9-corrected control induced pluripotent stem cell line from a patient with autosomal dominant catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia with a heterozygous variant in cardiac calsequestrin-2.

Fluid propagation and protein adsorption patterns in porous nitrocellulose membranes for lateral flow assays

Lateral flow assays (LFAs) have caught new attention in recent years due to extensive use in the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic. Especially the protein and fluid interactions with the nitrocellulose membrane structure are yet to be fully investigated, which affect the fluid and protein distribution of the test and control lines differently due to different adsorptive properties of fluids and proteins. Therefore, the relationship between fluid spread and protein distribution, respectively, and structure needs systematic evaluation. Two procedures were developed based on passive adsorption of complementary fluorescent dyes to investigate these phenomena. These procedures enabled three-dimensional visualization of the membrane structure, fluid as well as the protein spreading, respectively. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was applied after depositing picoliter and nanoliter volumes of the printing buffers containing fluorophore-labeled proteins (immunoglobulin G) and Oregon Green™ 488 onto the membrane using a high precision micro dispenser. The resulting data were correlated with the membrane's tortuosity and permeability. Inverse-proportional dependencies for the lateral spread of the fluid and protein adsorption with the structural parameters were observed. Additionally, surfactants [polysorbate 80 (PS80) and sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS), both at 0.1%] were added individually to the buffers, and the spread of the liquids was evaluated. Both surfactants increase the similarities between fluid and protein shape compared to the reference data. While SDBS increases the general lateral spread, PS80 does increase the penetration depth of the protein into the membrane, which could lead to reduced signal in LFAs.

A Novel Methodology to Estimate the Critical Damping Factor in Fluid-Structure Interaction: Application to Crossflow through Downhole Control Lines

A Novel Methodology to Estimate the Critical Damping Factor in Fluid-Structure Interaction: Application to Crossflow through Downhole Control Lines

Immunoglobulin Y-Based Lateral Flow Immunoassay Strip Test for Detecting Ciprofloxacin Antibiotic in Raw Pork Samples.

Ciprofloxacin is metabolized from enrofloxacin for use in poultry to manage respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, raising concerns due to its widespread tissue distribution and prolonged systemic persistence. This lateral flow immunoassay was designed to detect ciprofloxacin using an alternative IgY antibody binded with gold nanoparticles to detect ciprofloxacin residue in raw pork meat samples. The developed strip test achieved adequate sensitivity and specificity under the optimized conditions for pH, which is 7.8, and 20% of MeOH in 0.01 M phosphate buffer containing 1% Tween-20 was used for the buffer composition. An antibody concentration of 1.25 µg/mL was used to bind with gold nanoparticles as a probe for detection. The concentration of the test line (coating antigen) and control line (anti-IgY secondary antibody) was 0.5 mg/mL and 0.2 mg/mL, respectively. The efficiency of the developed strip test showed sensitivity with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of ciprofloxacin at 7.36 µg/mL, and the limit of detection was 0.2 µg/mL. The proposed strategy exhibited potential for monitoring ciprofloxacin in raw pork samples.

Transcriptomic analysis offers deep insights into the Increased Grain Length 1 (IGL1) regulation of grain length

BackgroundAlthough great progress has been made in recent years in identifying novel genes or natural alleles for rice yield improvement, the molecular mechanisms of how these genes/natural alleles regulate yield-associated traits, such as grain length and 1000-grain weight, remain largely unclear. An in-depth understanding of the roles of these genes/natural alleles in controlling yield traits become a necessity to ultimately increase rice yield via novel molecular techniques, such as gene editing.ResultsIn this study, the roles of IGL1, which was previously identified through a map-based cloning approach, in the regulation of grain length were investigated by overexpressing and knocking out it in the Nipponbare genetic background. Overexpression and knockout of IGL1 (the resulting transgenic lines were hereafter designated IGL1-OE and IGL1-CR lines, respectively) led to elongation and shortening of grains, respectively. To further elucidate the molecular mechanisms behind the IGL1 action, young panicles from IGL1-OE and IGL1-CR lines were subjected to mRNA sequencing. The results showed that both overexpression and knockout of IGL1 all resulted in a large number of upregulated and downregulated differentially expression genes (DEGs) relative to wild-type NPB control lines. A total of 984 DEGs overlapped between upregulated DEGs from IGL1-OE and downregulated DEGs from IGL1-CR; 1146 DEGs were common to downregulated DEGs from IGL1-OE and upregulated DEGs from IGL1-CR. GO term and KEGG pathway analysis revealed that IGL1-upregulated DEGs were associated with extracellular region, protein ubiquitination, cell-wall modification, BR signaling, cell cycle, etc.; by comparison, the IGL1-downregulated DEGs were connected with extracellular region, response to wounding, flavonoid biosynthesis, jasmonic-acid signaling, glucose/sucrose metabolism, etc. Some phytohormone-associated genes (like OsYUCCA4, OsPIN10b, OsBAK1, and OsDLT), TF genes (like OsMADS1 and OsGASR9), grain length-regulating genes (like An-1, GS9, OsIQD14, and TGW2) showed significant upregulation or downregulation in IGL1-OE or IGL1-CR.ConclusionOur result clearly demonstrated that IGL1 is an important regulator of grain length, and has profound impacts on genome-wide gene expression, suggesting that it may work together with certain TFs. Overexpression or knockout of IGL1 appears to cause complex expression changes of genes associated with phytohormones, TFs, grain length-regulating factors, which ultimately brings about the grain elongation.

The effects of family directed power mobility on self-care, mobility, and social function in very young children with severe multiple developmental impairments.

Children with impaired mobility often experience negative impact on overall development leading to depression, social isolation, and perceived lower quality of life. Our study explored the effects of Power Mobility Devices (PMD), in the form of modified ride-on toy cars with two distinct activation/steering technologies, on functional independent and social function in young children with severe multiple developmental impairments. Twelve children (age range 12-54 months) with neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and genetic diagnoses, and metabolic progressive diseases participated. Significant cognitive, visual, or communication impairment was not exclusionary. Two types of activation and steering modifications (proportional control joystick and line follower technologies) were provided. Paired samples t-test contrasted pre-post functional capabilities after three months of PMD use in both Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory scales of Functional Skills and Caregiver Assistance, each with the subscales self-care, mobility, and social/cognitive. Improvements were observed in all three subscales for Functional Skills (significant 9.8% increase in self-care, 21.4% in mobility, and 17.5% social/cognitive) and Caregiver Assistance (significant 35.4% increase in self-care). These quantitative results support findings of previous studies analyzing qualitative data, suggesting that early power mobility interventions provide positive improvements in the quality of life of children with severe developmental disabilities.

Development of a colloidal gold-based immunochromatographic strip for rapid detection of Areca palm velarivirus 1.

Areca palm velarivirus 1 (APV1), the causal agent of betel palm yellow leaf disease (YLD), has caused significant yield losses and decreased product quality of betel nuts, posing a serious economic threat to local farmers. There is an urgent need for a convenient and reliable method for the rapid detection and surveillance of APV1. The Capsid protein (CP) of APV1 was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified as antigen to immunize BALB/c mice. Two specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), APV1CP-1 and APV1CP-10, were generated through the hybridoma technique. APV1CP-1 was conjugated with colloidal gold served as detection reagent, while APV1CP-10 was coated onto a porous nitrocellulose membrane to act as the detection line. Goat anti-mouse IgG was used as the control line. These components were then assembled into a colloidal gold immunochromatographic strip (CGICS) for effective detection of APV1. The MAbs APV1CP-1 and APV1CP-10 were successfully obtained with titers exceeding 1:102,400. Colloidal gold particles used in the assay had an approximate diameter of 30-40 nm, and exhibited a surface plasmon resonance peak around 530 nm. The CGICS allowed for the detection of APV1 by applying infected sap to the test strip, with results visible within 5-10 min. The test showed no cross-reactivity with other viruses tested, and the visual detection limit for APV1 was established at a 100-fold dilutions of APV1-infected leaf samples. The monoclonal antibody-based colloidal gold immunochromatographic strip developed in this study demonstrates significant convenience, rapidity, and reliability for APV1 detection. These advancements are anticipated to facilitate rapid diagnosis and surveillance of APV1 in field settings.

Generation and characterization of an isogenic control line by correcting the BAG3 P209L mutation of a human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) line from a patient with myofibrillar myopathy-6.

Generation and characterization of an isogenic control line by correcting the BAG3 P209L mutation of a human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) line from a patient with myofibrillar myopathy-6.

Ideational Shifts and Recurring Complications: A Diplomatic History of Territorial Claims Between India and China in Ladakh

ABSTRACT The concept of territoriality and sovereignty form an important constituent of the modern nation-state. With the establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1949, China applied the principle of irredentism to claim territories drawing on evidence it deems as having historicity. This study focuses on the Western Sector of the India–China boundary, specifically Aksai Chin and the vicinity of areas in present-day Ladakh. An examination of some of the key diplomatic communications, cartographic and archival evidence, and other secondary sources on this dispute reveals inconsistencies in claims pertaining to the Line of Actual Control as put forward by both countries. Such a line, as claimed by both sides, was never an unchanging line, as recorded through evidence rooted in cartography, mapping and reports by the British surveyors from the mid-nineteenth to the twentieth century as well as the post-colonial leadership of the two countries – all of which capture the ideational shifts which resulted in the boundary dispute that has only grown over time.

Generation of an iPSC line (with isogenic control) from the PBMCs of a COL6A1 (c.1056+2T>A) Bethlem myopathy patient.

Generation of an iPSC line (with isogenic control) from the PBMCs of a COL6A1 (c.1056+2T>A) Bethlem myopathy patient.

A Framework for Exploring “Transfer‐Out” Land Parcels for Urban Development Under the Ecological Control Line (ECL) Policy in China

ABSTRACTHow to explore land spaces for future urban expansion under the ECL policy in China has been an essential issue. Previous methods or models just consider the land parcel's current land‐use condition, while ignoring its future urbanization trend. This study proposes a framework for identifying the suitable “transfer‐out” land parcels within the ECL by integrating the future urbanization probability and ecosystem services value. First, a vector‐based cellular automata is adopted to determine urbanization probabilities of land parcels, and the ecosystem services values are evaluated based on the calculated equivalent table. Then, a “two‐way screening” method is proposed to identify “transfer‐out” land parcels by prioritizing the minimization of ecological value losses and the maximization of urban development benefits. The identified land parcels are evaluated at the suitability level by parcel connectivity analysis. The proposed framework was applied in Shenzhen, China. The results indicated that several “transfer‐out” land clusters more suitable for planning as residential or public‐service lands. This framework can provide global city planners with valuable policy guidance for dealing with similar ecological pressures.

Generation of two isogenic control lines by correcting the BAG3 P209L mutation of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines from patients with myofibrillar myopathy-6.

Generation of two isogenic control lines by correcting the BAG3 P209L mutation of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines from patients with myofibrillar myopathy-6.

Tantalum airbridges for scalable superconducting quantum processors

The unique property of tantalum, particularly its exceptional resistance to both acid and alkali, makes it promising for superconducting quantum processors. Here, we propose a novel lift-off method for fabricating tantalum airbridges with separate or fully-capped structures. This method introduces an aluminum film as a barrier layer to separate two layers of photoresist, which is then etched away before depositing tantalum film. We experimentally characterize these tantalum airbridges as control line jumpers, ground plane crossovers and coupling elements, and further validate the overall adaptability by a 13-qubit quantum processor with a median T1 exceeding 100 μs. The median single-qubit gate fidelity is measured at 99.95(2)% for isolated Randomized Benchmarking and 99.94(2)% for the simultaneous one. Additionally, the experimental achievement of airbridge coupling with a controlled-Z gate fidelity surpassing 99.2(2)% in a separate two-qubit quantum chip may facilitate scalable quantum computation and quantum error correction with entirely tantalum elements.

P-260. Antibiotic residues in hospital sink p-trap water in Kilifi, Kenya

Abstract Background The hospital environment, including sink drains, may act as reservoirs for bacteria and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene amplification and spread. Selective pressures in sink environments, such as from disposal of antibiotics, may promote AMR. This pilot study at Kilifi County Hospital, Kenya, aimed to describe the prevalence of common antimicrobials in wastewater. Presence of antibiotics in sinks by ward type Presence of antibiotics (beta-lactam, sulpha, quinolone or tetracycline) detected in p-trap water of sinks in in-patient wards at Kilifi County Hospital, Kenya. Methods Data were collected on the number of beds/patients/sinks per bay and ward, distance from sink to patient bed, and sink design. We aimed to obtain 50ml of p-trap water from different sink types (i.e. bay, sluice, toilet) across all hospital wards. Dipstick testing was performed using the QuaTest BTSQ 4-1 kit, which was previously validated using serial dilutions of ampicillin, doxycycline, sulfamethoxazole and ciprofloxacin (1). All samples were processed at Kenya Medical Research Institute Wellcome Trust Research Programme on the day of collection. Results 34 sinks were targeted across nine wards. Two sinks on the neonatal birth unit (NBU) were broken or blocked and not sampled. One sink p-trap on NBU could not be aspirated despite running water to fill the p-trap. 1 sample from ICU was lost in transit from hospital to laboratory. In total, p-trap aspirates from 30 sinks were available for analysis. Antibiotic testing failed in 1/30 (3%) samples, with absent control lines. Antibiotics were detected in 6/30 (20%) samples (complex triage, adult ICU, maternity, NBU, paediatric HDU). Most positive samples (67%, 4/6) were from patient bays, and the remainder from sluices (33% 2/6). No association was found between the presence of any antibiotic in p-trap water and building or sink type. The proportion of sinks in wards caring for pregnant women (50%, 2/4) and neonates (67%, 2/3) with detectable beta-lactam antibiotics was higher than wards caring for adults or children (p=0.03). Conclusion We describe prevalence of antibiotic residue in hospital wards at Kilifi County Hospital, Kenya. Antibiotics were predominantly found in patient bays in wards caring for pregnant women and neonates. This finding may reflect differences in antibiotic usage and waste disposal practices. Targeted interventions with healthcare staff and hospital governance are necessary to promote responsible antibiotic and patient waste management. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Development of a colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay utilizing dual-antibody sandwich method for detecting Orientia tsutsugamushi.

A colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay (ICA) based on a dual-antibody sandwich method was developed for the rapid and convenient detection of Orientia tsutsugamushi (O. tsutsugamushi) antigens in the early stages of infection. Monoclonal antibodies designed as 5B3 targeting the conserved region of 56 kDa outer membrane protein in various strains of O. tsutsugamushi were generated through cell fusion and screening techniques and combined with previously prepared polyclonal antibodies as detection antibodies to establish the ICA. Colloidal gold and polyclonal antibody-colloidal gold complexes were synthesized under optimized conditions. The nitrocellulose membrane was treated with 5B3 monoclonal antibody and goat anti-mouse antibody as the test and control lines, respectively. The ICA demonstrated robust sensitivity, with a minimum detection limit of 70.5 ng for the 56 kDa recombinant of the Gilliam strain. Furthermore, a detection limit of 1 × 106 copies/μL DNA of O. tsutsugamushi was determined for both PT and SJ infected cell strains by constructing a relationship between cell number and copy number of the pathogen using a quantitative PCR-based standard curve. The assay also exhibited exceptional specificity, with no false positives observed against other bacterial species, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes. In summary, an ICA which is sensitive, specific, and easy to operate was successfully established for the detection of O. tsutsugamushi in scrub typhus, potentially enabling early rapid point-of-care diagnosis of scrub typhus.

Exploring the correlations between social support, resilience, well-being, and mental health variables among youth in border areas of Jammu and Kashmir.

The border areas of Jammu and Kashmir have long been affected by conflict, potentially impacting the mental health of youth. Understanding the relationships between social health factors and mental health outcomes in these regions is crucial for developing effective interventions. This study aims to investigate the correlations between social health factors (social support, resilience, and well-being) and mental health outcomes (stress, anxiety, and depression) among youth living in the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir. A sample of 300 individuals aged 18 to 25 years was recruited, with 150 participants from the Line of Control (LoC) border in Rajouri district and 150 from the International Border (IB) in Jammu district. Participants completed six standardized measures: the Resilience Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Pearson Correlation was computed with statistical significance at p < .05. Significant positive correlations were found between social support, resilience, and well-being in both IB and LoC groups. Depression was positively correlated with anxiety in both groups. However, stress was positively correlated with depression and anxiety only in the LoC group. These findings highlight the importance of social health factors in maintaining mental well-being among youth in conflict-affected regions. The study suggests that interventions targeting social support, resilience, and well-being may effectively promote mental health in these areas. Additionally, the results underscore the need for context-specific approaches in addressing mental health challenges in different conflict-affected environments.